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Apparently, this stupa was repaired several times by many different kings of the region." Also, the Jambuswamicharita of Rajmalla tells us about the existence of more than five hundred stupas in Mathura during this period. 99
The Jaina sramanas and munis used to meditate in the remote forest according to ancient tradition. During the time of the Tirthankara, Mahavira, and the Buddha, the Jaina and Buddhist monks lived a secluded life in "natural caves in peaceful places.” The caves not only served as a suitable place for meditation by the reclusive, but also served as protection from the elements. But, as we see in the archaeological evidence in eastern India, many of these caves were also excavated and donated to the Jaina munis during different periods in this region. Such caves are found at Rajgriha, Gaya, Knandagiri, Udaigiri, Jausambi, Pabhosa, and several other places in this region, and show a deep commitment to the Jaina tradition not only by the munis, but also by the kings, merchants and common peoples of eastern India. O
ENDNOTES
1. C.J. Shah, Jainism in North India. London:1932, Indian Reprint, New Delhi, 1989. 2. G.C. Roychoudhary, Jainism in Bihar. Patna: 1956. 3. A.K. Chatterje, A Comprehensive History of Jainism, Calcutta:1978. 4. Upendra Thakur, Studies in Jainism and Buddhism in Mithila. Varanasi:1964. 5. K.C. Jain, Lord Mahavira and His Tilaus. Delhi:1974. 6. B.K. Tiwary, History of Jainism in Bilar. Gurgaon:1996. 7. D.R. Patil, Antiquarian Remains in Bihar. Patna:1963. (Introduction) 8. Jain Silalekha Sangraha. Bombay:1928. 9. Jain Inscriptions (Jain Lekha Sangraha), pts. I-III. Calcutta:1918-1929. 10. Prachin Jain Lekha Sangraha, Bhavanagar:1921. 11. Jain liconography. Delhi:1974. 12. Jain Art and Architecture (ed.), pts. I-III. Delhi:1974. 13. Bharat ke Kigambar Jain Tirtha, pts. I-III. Bombay:1974. 14. Studies in Jain Art. Banaras:1955. 15. Prachin Bharatiya Murti Vigyan. Banaras. 16. A tablet of respect and worship. It was used in Jaina shrines with inscriptions for the worship of arhats. 17. D.P. Diskalkar, Studies in Jain Inscriptions. J.O.I, Vol. IX, No.1, p.23. 18. Pillar Edict, VII, Delhi version. 19. 1.A., Vol. XX, p.364. 20. B.K. Tiwary, History of Jainism in Bihar, pp.100-103. 21. D.C. Sarkar, Select Inscriptions, p.217. JBORS, Vol. VII, 1917, pp.425,472.
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